Monday news, notes

The Steelers, as expected, got a number of injured defensive starters back for practice today as they returned from a weekend off.

Cornerback Ike Taylor, who had a broken forearm, said he has been completely cleared by team doctors to return to full practice.

Taylor has been working out with the team during practices for much of the past month and it wouldn't surprise me if he's back in the starting lineup when the Steelers play New Orleans Sunday.

Rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier, safety Troy Polamalu and nose tackle Steve McLendon were back on the field today as well.

It appears the defense will be as healthy as it's been since the Carolina game in late September.

@ Jarvis Jones started practicing today as well. That means the clock starts ticking on his comeback.

The Steelers now have 21 days to either activate him or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Jones said he will still be forced to wear a brace on his injured wrist, but said it felt good today.

Jones had a broken bone and ligament damage in his wrist. He said he still must do rehab exercises every day in an attempt to build the strength back in his hand.

That will be an ongoing process. At this point, if he returns, it would be the week before the Steelers host Kansas City Dec. 21.

@ I spoke with some players in the past week about social media usage. Here's what they had to say: http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20141123/SPORTS0403/141129753#.VHOwU4vF-Gc